Ban these? The 21st Century's most complained about books

Take a look at the books and series that have received the most requests for banning since 2001

By BY LEVI PULKKINEN

on September 24, 2013 4:07 PM

Photo: Murray Close/HONS

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Keep clicking for a look at the books and series that have received the most requests for banning from America’s schools and libraries in the 21st Century, according to the American Library Association. Each of these books made the ALA’s Top 10 list for complaints since the turn of the century – there are some classics in there, as well as notable new works. And “Fifty Shades.” Check it out.

Keep clicking for a look at the books and series that have received the most requests for banning from America’s schools and libraries in the 21st Century, according to the American Library Association. Each

Keep clicking for a look at the books and series that have... Photo-5231014.70774 - Connecticut Post

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“Captain Underpants” by Day Pilkey – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 1 in 2012, No. 8 in 2005, No. 4 in 2004, No. 6 in 2002 – Some complained the series includes offensive language. less

“Captain Underpants” by Day Pilkey – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 1 in 2012, No. 8 in 2005, No. 4 in 2004, No. 6 in 2002 – Some complained ... more

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“Captain Underpants” by Day Pilkey – On the American Library... Photo-5225530.70774 - Connecticut Post

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“Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher – On the American
Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 3 in
2012 – Some complained the series includes drug references, sexually explicit
content and suicide.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 4 in 2012 – Some complained … well, it’s “Fifty Shades of Grey.” We’ll assume they were mad about the bondage. less

“Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 4 in 2012 – Some complained … well, it’s “Fifty Shades of Grey.” ... more

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“Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James – On the American... Photo-5225527.70774 - Connecticut Post

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“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 9 in 2002 – Some complained the book contained offensive language. less

“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 9 in 2002 – Some complained the book contained offensive ... more

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky – On the
American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked
No. 3 in 2009, No. 6 in 2008, No. 10 in 2007, No. 8 in 2006 and No. 5 in 2004 –
Some complained the book contains anti-family themes, references to
homosexuality, offensive language, drug references, sexually explicit content,
an unacceptable religious viewpoint and suicide. Above, Emma Watson in the film version of the book.

“And Tango Makes Three” by Peter Parnell and Justin
Richardson – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently
challenged books, it ranked No. 5 in 2012, No. 1 in 2010, No. 2 in 2009, No. 1
in 2008, No. 1 in 2007 and No. 1 in 2006 – Some complained the children’s book
includes depictions of homosexuality and an unacceptable religious viewpoint.

His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 2 in 2008, No. 4 in 2007 – Some objected to the book’s anti-religious themes and depictions of violence. Above, a scene from 2007's "The Golden Compass." less

His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 2 in 2008, No. 4 in 2007 – Some objected to the book’s ... more

“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 6 in 2012 and No. 9 in 2008 – Some complained the book includes references to homosexuality, offensive language, an unacceptable religious viewpoint and sexually explicit content. less

“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 6 in 2012 and No. 9 in 2008 – Some complained the book includes ... more

“Looking for Alaska” by John Green – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 7 in 2012 – Some complained the book includes offensive language and sexually explicit content. less

“Looking for Alaska” by John Green – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 7 in 2012 – Some complained the book includes offensive language and ... more

“Looking for Alaska” by John Green – On the American Library... Photo-1241277.70774 - Connecticut Post

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“Scary Stories” by Alvin Schwartz – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 8 in 2012, No. 4 in 2008 and No. 6 in 2006 – Some complained the series includes Satanism and violence. less

“Scary Stories” by Alvin Schwartz – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 8 in 2012, No. 4 in 2008 and No. 6 in 2006 – Some complained the series ... more

“Beloved” by Toni Morrison – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2012 and No. 9 in 2006 – Some complained the book includes included sexually explicit contend, religious viewpoint and violence. less

“Beloved” by Toni Morrison – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2012 and No. 9 in 2006 – Some complained the book includes included sexually ... more

“Beloved” by Toni Morrison – On the American Library... Photo-5225521.70774 - Connecticut Post

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“ttyl; ttfn; l8r, g8r” by Lauren Myracle – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 1 in 2011, No. 1 in 2009, No. 3 in 2008 and No. 7 in 2007 – Some complained the series included offensive language, a religious viewpoint, sexually explicit contend and unsuited to age group. less

“ttyl; ttfn; l8r, g8r” by Lauren Myracle – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 1 in 2011, No. 1 in 2009, No. 3 in 2008 and No. 7 in 2007 – Some ... more

“The Color of Earth” by Kim Dong Hwa – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 2 in 2011 – Some complained the series included nudity, sex education, sexually explicit content and unsuited to age group. less

“The Color of Earth” by Kim Dong Hwa – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 2 in 2011 – Some complained the series included nudity, sex education, ... more

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 3 in 2011 and No. 5 in 2010 – Some complained the series included anti-ethnic materials, anti-family themes, offensive language, occult or satanic themes and violence. less

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 3 in 2011 and No. 5 in 2010 – Some complained the series included ... more

“Alice” by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 6 in 2011, No. 3 in 2006, No. 1 in 2003, No. 2 in 2002, No. 7 in 2001 – Some complained the series included nudity, offensive language and inappropriate religious content. less

“Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 7 in 2011 and No. 3 in 2010 – Some complained the book included nudity, sexually explicit content, racist themes and inappropriate religious content. less

“Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 7 in 2011 and No. 3 in 2010 – Some complained the book included nudity, ... more

“Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley – On the American Library... Photo-4474965.70774 - Connecticut Post

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“What My Mother Doesn't Know” by Sonya Sones – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 8 in 2011, No. 7 in 2010, No. 7 in 2005 and No. 6 in 2004 – Some complained the book contains nudity, offensive language and sexually explicit content. less

“What My Mother Doesn't Know” by Sonya Sones – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 8 in 2011, No. 7 in 2010, No. 7 in 2005 and No. 6 in 2004 – Some ... more

“Gossip Girls” by Cecily Von Ziegesar – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 9 in 2011, No. 7 in 2008 and No. 2 in 2006 – Some complained the series references drug use, and contains offensive language and sexually explicit content. less

“Gossip Girls” by Cecily Von Ziegesar – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 9 in 2011, No. 7 in 2008 and No. 2 in 2006 – Some complained the series ... more

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2011 and No. 4 in 2009 – Some complain this American classic has offensive language and racist content. Above, Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch in the film version of "To Kill a Mockingbird." less

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2011 and No. 4 in 2009 – Some complain this American classic has ... more

“Lush” by Natasha Friend – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 6 in 2010 – Some complain this book contains offensive language, sexually explicit content and drug references. less

“Lush” by Natasha Friend – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 6 in 2010 – Some complain this book contains offensive language, sexually explicit ... more

“Lush” by Natasha Friend – On the American Library... Photo-4475010.70774 - Connecticut Post

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“Nickel and Dimed” by Barbara Ehrenreich – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 8 in 2010 – Some complain this non-fiction about poverty in America book contains an unacceptable political and religious viewpoint, offensive language and drug references.

“The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 9 in 2012 – Some complained the book includes offensive language and sexually explicit content. less

“The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 9 in 2012 – Some complained the book includes offensive language and ... more

“Revolutionary Voices” edited by Amy Sonnie – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 9 in 2010 – Some complain this collection is sexually explicit and refers to homosexuality. less

“Revolutionary Voices” edited by Amy Sonnie – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 9 in 2010 – Some complain this collection is sexually explicit ... more

“Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer – On the American Library
Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2010 and
No. 5 in 2009 – Some complain the series offers an offensive religious
viewpoint and excessive violence. Above, the always energetic

“Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2010 and No. 5 in 2009 – Some complain the series offers an offensive ... more

Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images

“Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer – On the American Library... Photo-4964570.70774 - Connecticut Post

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“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 6 in 2009, No. 3 in 2005 and No. 6 in 2001 – Some complain this famously banned book contains offensive language and sexually explicit content. Above, Salinger during World War II. less

“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 6 in 2009, No. 3 in 2005 and No. 6 in 2001 – Some complain this ... more

Photo: The Weinstein Co.

“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger – On the American... Photo-5212046.70774 - Connecticut Post

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“My Sister's Keeper” by Jodi Picoult – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 7 in 2009 – Some complain this book contains offensive language, an unacceptable religious viewpoint, sexism, sexually explicit content and references to homosexuality. less

“My Sister's Keeper” by Jodi Picoult – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 7 in 2009 – Some complain this book contains offensive language, an ... more

“The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things” by Carolyn Mackler – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 8 in 2009 and No. 4 in 2006 – Some complain this book contains offensive language and sexually explicit content. less

“The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things” by Carolyn Mackler – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 8 in 2009 and No. 4 in 2006 – Some ... more

“Forever” by Judy Blume – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 2 in 2005 – Some complained the book contains offensive language and sexually explicit content. Above, Judy Blume. less

“Forever” by Judy Blume – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 2 in 2005 – Some complained the book contains offensive language and sexually ... more

Photo: Sigrid Estrada

“Forever” by Judy Blume – On the American Library... Photo-3153886.70774 - Connecticut Post

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“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 9 in 2009 and No. 6 in 2007 – Some complain the book contains offensive language and sexually explicit content. less

“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 9 in 2009 and No. 6 in 2007 – Some complain the book contains offensive ... more

“The Chocolate War” by Robert Cormier – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2009, No. 2 in 2007, No. 10 in 2006, No. 4 in 2005, No. 1 in 2004, No. 3 in 2002 and No. 3 in 2001 – Some complain the book contains nudity, offensive language and sexually explicit content. less

“The Chocolate War” by Robert Cormier – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2009, No. 2 in 2007, No. 10 in 2006, No. 4 in 2005, No. 1 in 2004, ... more

“Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya – On the American
Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 5 in
2008 – Some complained the book contains violence, Satanism or occult content,
offensive language, an unacceptable religious viewpoint and sexually explicit
content. Above, a still from the film adaptation.

“Uncle Bobby's Wedding” by Sarah S. Brannen – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 8 in 2008 – Some objected to the book’s themes regarding homosexuality. less

“Uncle Bobby's Wedding” by Sarah S. Brannen – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 8 in 2008 – Some objected to the book’s themes regarding ... more

“Flashcards of My Life” by Charise Mericle Harper – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2008 – Some complained about the film’s sexually explicit content. less

“Flashcards of My Life” by Charise Mericle Harper – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2008 – Some complained about the film’s sexually ... more

“Olive’s Ocean” by Kevin Henkes – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 3 in 2007 – Some complained the book contains sexually explicit content and offensive language. less

“Olive’s Ocean” by Kevin Henkes – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 3 in 2007 – Some complained the book contains sexually explicit content and ... more

“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 5 in 2007, No. 7 in 2002 – Some object to the book’s racist terms. less

“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 5 in 2007, No. 7 in 2002 – Some object to the book’s ... more

“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 5 in 2006 – Some complain the book contains sexually explicit content and offensive language. Above, a stage presentation of "The Bluest Eye." less

“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 5 in 2006 – Some complain the book contains sexually explicit content and ... more

“Whale Talk” by Chris Crutcher – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 5 in 2005 – Some complained the book contains racist themes and offensive language. less

“Whale Talk” by Chris Crutcher – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 5 in 2005 – Some complained the book contains racist themes and offensive ... more

“Fallen Angels” by Walter Dean Meyers – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 2 in 2004, No. 5 in 2003 and No. 9 in 2001 – Some complain this book contains offensive language, racism and violence. Above, author Meyers. less

“Fallen Angels” by Walter Dean Meyers – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 2 in 2004, No. 5 in 2003 and No. 9 in 2001 – Some complain this book ... more

“In the Night Kitchen” by Maurice Sendak – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 7 in 2004 – Some complain this book contains nudity, offensive language and sexually explicit content. less

“In the Night Kitchen” by Maurice Sendak – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 7 in 2004 – Some complain this book contains nudity, offensive ... more

“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2004, No. 3 in 2003, No. 2 in 2001 – Some complain Steinbeck’s description of itinerant farmworkers contains offensive language, racism and violence. less

“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2004, No. 3 in 2003, No. 2 in 2001 – Some complain Steinbeck’s ... more

“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck – On the American Library... Photo-1630934.70774 - Connecticut Post

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The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling – On the American
Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 2 in
2003, No. 1 in 2002 and No. 1 in 2001 – Some complain the book contains
references to the occult. Above, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 2 in 2003, No. 1 in 2002 and No. 1 in 2001 – Some complain the book ... more

Photo: Courtesy Of Warner Bros Pictures

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling – On the American... Photo-4748705.70774 - Connecticut Post

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“Go Ask Alice” by Anonymous – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 6 in 2003 and No. 8 in 2001 – Some complained about the book’s drug references. less

“Go Ask Alice” by Anonymous – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 6 in 2003 and No. 8 in 2001 – Some complained about the book’s drug ... more

“The Chocolate War” by Robert Cormier – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2009, No. 2 in 2007, No. 10 in 2006, No. 4 in 2005, No. 1 in 2004, No. 3 in 2002 and No. 3 in 2001 – Some complain the book contains nudity, offensive language and sexually explicit content. Also making the top 10 in 2003 was Cormier's "We All Fall Down." less

“The Chocolate War” by Robert Cormier – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2009, No. 2 in 2007, No. 10 in 2006, No. 4 in 2005, No. 1 in 2004, ... more

“Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2003, No. 8 in 2002 – Some complained the book contained occult or Satanist content and offensive language. Above, a still photo from the film adaptation. less

“Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2003, No. 8 in 2002 – Some complained the book contained ... more

“Blood and Chocolate” by Annette Curtis Klause – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2001 – Some complained the book contained sexually explicit content. Above, a photo from the film adaptation. less

“Blood and Chocolate” by Annette Curtis Klause – On the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books, it ranked No. 10 in 2001 – Some complained the book contained sexually ... more